Life is just a fantasy, can you live this fantasy life?
Ahh, 1981, a time when commercial hard rock/metal was starting to permeate the airwaves here in the US, and a time when Montreal native Aldo Caporuscio put forth his debut solo album under the musical moniker of Aldo Nova. The album Aldo Nova was a brash yet refreshing blend of guitar mania, pop, glam, and symphonic rock, that briefly lit a fire on Billboard's Top 100.
Who can forget the breakthrough single "Fantasy", with its catchy hooks, classic chorus, irresistable keyboards, and crunchy guitar licks? However, there are a few other gems here, especially the emotional ballad "Ball and Chain", the rocking "It's Too Late", or the pop-metal anthem "Foolin' Yourself." Even the non-radio hits stand the test of time, like the metal thunder of "Hot Love", or the commercial yet ballsy "Heart to Heart." One of my favorites is the super-charged rocker "Under the Gun", which features some hot guitar licks from Aldo (who actually was a pretty good player) as well as catchy vocals and neat keyboard passages.
The remaster sounds crystal clear, especially the guitars and vocals, and you get full lyrics and notes on the history of the album, making this a worthwhile purchase. Sadly, Aldo Nova would never again reach the heights he did with this debut. However, it remains one of the 1980's forgotten bright spots.
Track Listing
1) Fantasy (5:03)
2) Hot Love (3:54)
3) It's Too Late (3:21)
4) Ball and Chain (4:01)
5) Heart to Heart (3:42)
6) Foolin' Yourself (3:34)
7) Under the Gun (3:46)
8) You're My Love (3:34)
9) Can't Stop Lovin' You (3:57)
10) See the Light (3:55)
Bonus Track
11) Foolin Yourself-alternate version (4:08)
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